The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Gunner’s Mate Hiram Jesse Hodge, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. STERRETT (DD-407), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. Chief Gunner’s Mate Hodge immediately ascertained the damage done to his ship after it had been raked by enemy fire, taking charge and fighting fires and carrying out the wounded. He removed with his own hands, ammunition that was dangerously over-heated, some of which exploded in mid-air as it left the ship. Chief Gunner’s Mate Hodge’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.